A frank conversation with Nate Robinson

LOS ANGELES -- Nate Robinson participated in his firstpractice as a Warrior on Thursday afternoon, and there is little doubt hellplay on Friday vs. the Los Angeles Lakers.I had a chance to sit and talk with Robinson for a fewminutes after practice. Heres the transcript:Steinmetz: Ive got to tell you Ivealready written that Im skeptical about the Warriors acquiring you.
Robinson: Its all good. Youre doingyour job.Steinmetz: What do you want to get donehere?Robinson: I just want to help the team win.Whatever the coach needs me to do, Ill do. Thats what Im here for. Ive beenaround the game a long time. Seen a lot of different things. Played with DavidLee (in New York). Ive been around seven years and counting, you know? Imstill trying to be a student of the game, learn from Coach (Mark Jackson), oneof the greatest point guards to ever play the game. Im here to bring energyoff the bench and contribute to the team.Steinmetz: How would you respond ifsomeone saysBoston didnt want you, Oklahoma City didnt want you, so whyis it going to work out here?REWIND: Warriors sign Nate Robinson
Robinson: Why not?Steinmetz: Well, you know why peoplewould say that.Robinson: I dont care what they say.Coach already said hes not worried about the naysayers and my past. Hestalking about now and the future. Were moving forward and thats something Ilove about Coach. He sees me as a player. I have another start, a second chanceand this is a great opportunity. God blessed me with the ability to go throughthese struggles in my life and overcome them. Thats something Im trying to doagain. Just trying to prove to the Warriors and the fans and to my friends andfamily and to God that I can do it.RELATED: Nate Robinson career stats
Steinmetz: So its hit you that somepeople dont believe in you anymore.Robinson: Its been like that ever sinceI was a little boy. People say I cant do thingswhich is fine. Its theiropinion. Everybody has their own opinion. Theyve got the First Amendment,freedom of speech to say whatever they want and I dont mind. I just love achallenge. I challenge myself to become a better person, a better player, a mancloser to God, a better father, a better son, a better brother.Steinmetz: Ive got to ask you about somethings that are out there about you. How about that you dont take the gameseriously enough Robinson: Thats their opinion. I takethe game serious enough for me. I play hard. Im a gamer. I practice hard. I dowhatever the coach asks. I dont have any problems. I carry myself in such apositive light so people take that as me not being serious. I love to smile,love to have a good time, love to be positive. Theres no reason to waste yourenergy on negative energy. I spend my time with positive energy. Thatssomething Ive been doing since I was a kid.Steinmetz: Have you ever been adistraction on a team or hurt a teams chemistry?Robinson: Never.Steinmetz: I want to get these out of theway, right off the bat.Robinson: Its OK, youre doing your job,like I said. All good.